Crafting the Citadel

If I was to try and build something entirely without planning, it would probably end up like all my attempts at cooking; a slimy blob of lukewarm regret. But when ace crafter, Springstof tries building something entirely without planning, he manages to blend architectural flavours with the flair of a top gourmet. No fair!

Welcome to The Citadel - a testament to European monuments and architecture from a mix of regions and periods, and a work-in-progress that's an astonishing work of freeform creativity. Springstof - or Jesse, as he’s also known - saw a blank canvas of blocks and, without considering the details, dived right in to the construction of a towering structure accented by spires, a bridge and beautiful surrounding landscape.

It’s an impressive feat, to be able to create something like this with no clear intention laid out to begin with. However, Springstof’s an experienced builder. In fact, he’s submitted five survival spawns to Minecraft Realms in the last two years. “I really wanted all of them to be unique,” he tells me. Springstof’s maps include a farming village, a lumberjack’s hideout, an orc encampment and the impact site of a meterorite. A fairly expansive repertoire for a lone builder.

“I really enjoy creating things, and Minecraft has no boundaries.,” Springstof explains. “I love to build and I try to make something unique with every project I design.” His portfolio demonstrates this, with each build more varied and ambitious than the last. If you’d like to see more of Springstof’s work and keep up to date with his Citadel project (which is still work in progress!), you can check out his page on PlanetMinecraft and follow him on Twitter.

Want another epic build? Try Valhalla.

Or for something completely different, click here!